10 October,2026 10:01 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Speaking at the Chhatron Ki Goonj event in Chennai, the Congress leader criticised PM Modi. Pic/PTI
Rahul Gandhi on Saturday urged young Indians to continue protesting against the government, asserting that the Congress would work to defeat those whom he accused of attacking the Constitution, reported the PTI.
Speaking at the Chhatron Ki Goonj event in Chennai, the Congress leader criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), alleging that cowardice was their defining characteristic. His remarks came amid a police crackdown on protesters demonstrating against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi, the news agency reported.
In a message shared on X, Gandhi said he had been fighting Modi and the RSS for more than a decade and understood his political opponents well.
"I've been fighting Narendra Modi and the RSS for over a decade now. I understand them like you would understand your opponent -- inside out, like the back of my hand," he said.
The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha also named Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Gyanesh Kumar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, claiming that political pressure on them was increasing, reported the PTI.
"The core characteristic of these people is 'cowardice'," Gandhi said.
Gandhi challenged the government to deploy additional police personnel or detain opposition leaders and young protesters, saying such action would not stop the movement.
"Mr Modi, do whatever you want. Call out all the police: 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, whatever you want. Arrest all the leaders. Arrest all the young people. Arrest us all. We are surrounding you, and we are not going to back down," he said, according to the PTI.
He added that the Opposition had the information it needed to defend the Constitution and protect the voice of the people.
Gandhi also vowed to oppose what he described as attacks on democratic institutions over the past 10 to 15 years.
Expressing support for young demonstrators, Gandhi said he was proud of the country's youth and encouraged them to continue their protests.
"Youth of India, I am proud of you. Keep protesting. We are standing with you," he said, as per the PTI.
He asserted that the Opposition would work to defeat the government and those he accused of undermining the Constitution.
Gandhi also shared a video of his remarks on social media.
Gandhi's comments came as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) staged a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The protest centred on allegations of irregularities in voter lists during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Delhi Police detained more than 3,000 protesters who attempted to reach the demonstration site. Police also detained more than 600 people with criminal records as a preventive measure, according to reports.
Authorities said permission had not been granted for the protest and prohibitory orders were in force in the New Delhi area.
(with PTI inputs)
